Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2025

Ex Vivo Porcine Experimental Model for Studying and Teaching Lung Mechanics
Published on: April 19, 2024
IMPLEMENTATION OF A DYNAMIC AND EXTENSIBLE MECHANICAL VENTILATOR MODEL FOR REAL-TIME PHYSIOLOGICAL SIMULATION
Jeffrey B Webb1, Aaron Bray1, Harald Scheirich1
1Kitware, Inc., 101 East Weaver St, Carrboro, NC, USA.
Abstract:
We have designed and implemented a generic virtual mechanical ventilator model into the open-source Pulse Physiology Engine for real-time medical simulation. The universal data model is uniquely designed to apply all modes of ventilation and allow for modification of the fluid mechanics circuit parameters. The ventilator methodology provides a connection to the existing Pulse respiratory system for spontaneous breathing and gas/aerosol substance transport. The existing Pulse Explorer application was extended to include a new ventilator monitor screen with variable modes and settings and a dynamic output display. Proper functionality was validated by simulating the same patient pathophysiology and ventilator settings virtually in Pulse as a physical lung simulator and ventilator setup.
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